FTC Issues Alert on Health Discount Plans
Per the notice below, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued an alert on distinguishing health insurance plans from health discount plans.
Is it health insurance or a medical discount plan?
Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re really getting. Some dishonest marketers make it sound like they’re selling health insurance — when you’re really just getting a discount plan. Here’s what to know. Scammers might lie and make you think you’re getting health insurance or make it seem like a medical discount plan offers the same coverage as health insurance but for a much lower price. They might also make it seem like the medical discount plan they’re selling is widely accepted by many medical providers when, in fact, it might not be. If you’re looking for health insurance, make sure that is what you’re buying:
- Don’t decide on the spot. Get details in writing before you sign up. Scammers might try to pressure you to sign up quickly to get a supposed special deal. That pressure to act fast is a sign of a scam.
- Confirm the details of the plan. Is it health insurance or a medical discount plan? Call your health care providers — and others on the plan’s list — to find out. But call before you enroll or pay any fees.
- Search online for the name of the company and plan with the words “complaint,” “scam,” or “fraud.” Read reviews and see what others have to say.
Read Spot Health Insurance Scams to learn more.
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